Markeshia Grant: Basketball is a game of runs, and the Gamecocks are moving on
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FAMS take a deep breath. Basketball is a game of runs and March is full of madness. If Coach Staley doesn’t sweat, then we shouldn’t either right? According to Raven Johnson. The Gamecocks 22 point lead was cut to just 2 points late in the fourth quarter. However, the NCAA tournament is about surviving and advancing. With a huge 3-point dagger by Johnson with 52 seconds to go in the game, South Carolina did just that—survived and advanced to the Elite 8, winning 79-75 over Indiana.
Gamecock game highlights
South Carolina had a dominant start, an uncharacteristic second half, and a game-winning 3-point shot. Sounds just like déjà vu huh? The Gamecocks once again showed their resilience, just as they did against Tennessee in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.
Kamilla Cardoso
Kamilla had herself a day! Diving on the floor! Getting deep in the post and finishing through contact. Offensive rebounding and kicking it out to wide open 3-point shooters. Running the floor in transition! Blocking shots! Leading her team! She finished 10-12 from the floor with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and ZERO turnovers. She was also instrumental in getting Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes in foul trouble early in the first half, which allowed the Gamecocks to build an early lead.
Raven Johnson
Raven Johnson filled up the stat sheet! She finished the game with 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and ZERO turnovers. She also did an excellent defensive job of making Chloe Moore-McNeil uncomfortable. She made it hard for her to drive to the basket, get easy looks from the 3 and find Holmes in the post. Johnson was also 3-3 for 3-point line, hitting a crucial 3 late in the game to put the game away.
Bench Production aka “Seatbelt Gang”
Seatbelt gang added 23 bench points, with Tessa Johnson playing crucial minutes in the fourth quarter to help the Gamecocks maintain their lead. T. Johnson also hit a timely layup to put South Carolina up by seven late in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Sania Feagin provided really good minutes in the post defending Sydney Parrish and Holmes at times.
Embrace the Journey: Elite 8
South Carolina vs. Oregon State
The last time the Gamecocks played the Beavers was in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021, where South Carolina won 59-42.
Key matchups to watch:
Kamilla Cardoso vs. Raegan Beers
If Kamilla continues to assert herself like she has done the last two NCAA tournament games, she will have another dominant performance. The key for Cardoso against Beers is much like her approach to Mackenzie Holmes of Indiana. Play her honest down low but also try to get her in foul trouble.
Cardoso’s advantages versus Beers:
- Her height
- Foot speed
- Deep post position
- Rebounding
- Shot blocking ability on defense
Ashlyn Watkins vs. Times Gardiner
This will be a great matchup as both players are very versatile. However, I think Ashlyn has the edge defensively. Watkins will need to play Gardiner honest, as she can shoot the 3, drive to basket and get timely offensively rebounds. It will be imperative to box her out.
Watkins’ advantages versus Gardiner:
- Athleticism
- Foot speed
- Rebounding
- Shot blocking ability on defense
Gamecocks Advantage
The Gamecocks’ advantages against Oregon State are similar to that of Indiana; such as their bench, their speed, quickness and athleticism, as well as their defense and their depth. MiLaysia Fulwiley, Chloe Kitts, Sania Feagin, Tessa Johnson and Sakima Walker will all play a pivotal role in making an immediate impact especially if the Beavers play a zone.
Keys to Win
- Keep the main thing, the main thing.
- The main thing is to continue to take one game at a time and to win. Survive and advance.
- Find ways to attack Oregon State’s defense
- Transition offense will be a major factor for South Carolina as they generate a lot of offense for them and keep Oregon State on their heels.
- The Beavers mixed it up defensively and slowed the place of the game down against Notre Dame. However, Notre Dame was able to score on several of their curl actions, get deep in the paint and get wide open 3’s.
- Bench production
- The Gamecocks bench has been an advantage for them all year long. South Carolina is averaging roughly 34 bench points per game. Last time out versus Indiana, South Carolina had 23 bench points.
- Rebounding
- South Carolina out rebounds its opponents by 12 rebounds per game. They out rebounded Indiana by just 2 last time out. This will allow South Carolina extra possessions.
- Take care of the basketball
- The Gamecocks have been doing a really good job of taking care of the basketball, especially in their first three tournament games. It will be imperative to make sure they are continuing to do the same in this matchup against Oregon State.
- South Carolina is notorious for making the right plays and making sure the right players are taking the best shots. Last time out, the Gamecocks had 17 assists against Indiana.
- Force turnovers
- Oregon State had 26 turnovers again Notre Dame in their Sweet 16 matchup, so I think South Carolina should also be able to speed them up to create turnovers as well.
- Make Free Throws
- Oregon State is foul prone when teams drive on them, so it will be imperative for South Carolina to knock down their FTs because they should get there often.
